Wheeler Sack Army Air Field

Wheeler Sack Army Air Field is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the US AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Wheeler Sack Army Air Field is a medium-sized military airport located at Fort Drum in northern New York State. Situated at 688 feet above mean sea level with coordinates 44.055599, -75.719498, the airfield serves military aviation operations and supports the 10th Mountain Division. Its three concrete runways provide substantial operational flexibility for military aircraft.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Wheeler Sack demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions present 49.2% of the time and marginal VFR conditions occurring 32.8% of observations. Temperature ranges from -21°C to 28°C, with an average of 1.5°C, indicating potential challenges in winter and summer operations. Prevailing winds from the west (270°) average 8.9 knots, with occasional gusts up to 34 knots.

Notable Features

The airport features three runways: 03/21 at 10,000 feet, 08/26 at 4,482 feet, and 15/33 at 4,999 feet, all constructed of concrete. Each runway demonstrates 100% favorable wind alignment, with modest average crosswind components ranging from 5.1 to 5.9 knots. The longest runway (03/21) provides substantial length for diverse military aircraft operations.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should anticipate generally good visibility, with an average of 8.8 statute miles and only 4% of observations showing visibility below 3 miles. September through November offer the most consistent VFR conditions. With calm wind conditions occurring 8.3% of the time, pilots should be prepared for potential wind variability during approach and landing.